Emptying the nest

For the love of rain and naps

Whilst it was raining, I closed my eyes to listen to the rain hitting the window.  I love the sounds made by rain hitting surfaces.

As a child growing up in a trailer home for shelter, I enjoyed listening to the rain hit our windows and roof.  The steady ting, ting, ting sound on the metal roof and the panes of glass were calm and relaxing for me.

IMG_6652csskrupa

The darkness in the sky made me drowsy.  It was one of my favorite times to curl up and read a book or take a nap.

IMG_6649csskrupa

When our kids were little, I thought they should nap when it rained.  You know, just like I did when I was little.

IMG_6647csskrupa

Our shingles on our roof muffle sounds better than the metal roof I grew up under so the kids couldn’t hear what I could.  They didn’t get drowsy from the sounds as much as I thought they should.  I must have hypersensitivity to the sounds, I can hear them through the roof.  I really thought they would too.

IMG_6650csskrupa

Oh, no, they had other plans.  They preferred to grab an umbrella and run outside to play.  The rain gave them energy as they’d spiral into action, running to get their rain boots, rain jackets, and umbrellas.  Plotting and planning where’d they’d go and what puddles to splash in.

I’d watch them play and wait patiently for them to return back into the house and ask for a warm cup of cocoa and dry clothes.  When they’d ask if I wanted to join, I’d tell them that I melted in the rain so they could go on without me.  I probably should have played with them instead, but I hope they appreciated the freedom of getting to doing their own thing in the rain, without mom saying, “Don’t get wet!”

IMG_6650csskrupa (2)

Then they’d be tired, ready to cuddle up with a blanket, get cozy (or hygge), and read a book, or take a nap.  On the days when I was successful in convincing them of the later, I’d nap too.

IMG_6648csskrupa

There are days when I miss the cuddle up with a book reading sessions with the kids, or with myself – wow, I really don’t take time like that enough.  Now that I’m an empty nester, I’m thinking it is time to give those activities more attention.  I do miss watching the kids play in the rain, but now there are no arguments to grabbing a book to read or to take a nap when I’m tired.

IMG_6653csskrupa (2)

I’m free to do so, Mr. even encourages it.  “When you’re tired, GO take a nap!”

IMG_6653csskrupa

So this weekend, while it rained, I took a nap.  A glorious, refreshing, cuddle-up with a blanket for a full 2-hour nap.  And you know what?  It was fun to be a kid again.

PS – Do you enjoy listening to the rain?  Do you read first, and then doze off like me?  Do you enjoy trying to capture pictures of raindrops on the windows?  

23 thoughts on “For the love of rain and naps

  1. Haven’t seen rain here in central England for a month, I should’ve planted a few vines in the garden! But, advantages are most days sitting in the garden with Dr C and a bottle of Burgundy! Thank you so much for your congratulations about my becoming a wine judge in the U.K. …. scary! Writing a post about wine tasting and philosophy now plus a guide for novices to taste and remember wines experienced 👍🍾✅

    1. Dry weather, dry wine, no problem right?! You’re welcome, I’m positive you’ll be fantastic at it! I’ve talked Mr. into one day a week to test new wines, we’ll definitely use your words of wisdom to guide us along our new mini-stay-at-home-try-new-wines journey! Burgundy is at the top of our to-try list!

      1. Burgundy? You’ll need to fill then exercise your wallets! All red burgundy is Pinot Noir, all white burgundy is Chardonnay, so my advice is to experience some local or US examples of UNOAKED Chardonnay and Pinot Noir first. Find one of each you really like then tell me what Burgundy you can find in your stores and I’ll advise ….

        1. LOL! Those two are actually my favorites – Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. I have a favorite local Chardonnay – bought one of their last bottles on Saturday. But…they are oaked…….oh, my, so much to learn! I’ll be begging you for advice, no doubt about it!

  2. Lovely story. When I was little and at the cottage it always felt like night, the lights would go on and we’d play board games!

    1. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and memories with me. Sounds like you have fond memories of childhood, too!

  3. A nap sounds wonderful–we need to listen to our bodies when they tell us to take it easy. When I was a kid in OH, we always watched the rain from the front porch, like it was a show we couldn’t miss! I still do the same now, and one of my boys comes with me. Maybe it is the hypnotic sound, but I always try to catch a good shower!

    1. So true, it is important to listen to our bodies – it is easy to forget we need to recharge. I always wanted a front porch to sit on and watch the rain. I’m glad you invite your son to join you, I’m sure he’ll treasure those moments!

  4. I love the photos, and I love the story. On a weekend like this I feel like curling up with a book too. On such a weekday though, life can be tough.

  5. I too am a stay inside & enjoy the sounds in the safety of my home person when it rains. My children & husband are the type to go out into it or watch from the porch. As a gardener I appreciate the rain so much more than I used to, and it gives me relief to know nature is taking care of the watering!🌦️🌻

    1. That is our family, too! I’m glad my husband has taught our kids to enjoy storms – I grew up fearing them, so am glad to see my family show and hear from you that it is possible to appreciate them. Yes – I agree, rain for gardening is a welcome site! Thanks for sharing your thoughts :-)!

Comments are closed.